Laundry buckets filled with everyday items and packaged gifts filled the stage at Cottonwood Elementary Friday as students capped off a project for Utah soldiers.

All classes at Cottonwood collected items for the Operation Adopt a Ghost project, which sends needed materials to Utah’s active military members and their families. Each class chose a specific theme – sports, hygiene, downtime, etc. – and gathered items to match.

Operation Adopt a Ghost is run solely by volunteers, and all monetary or material contributions go directly to support deployed soldiers and their families. Cottonwood’s contribution will be a huge boost to dozens of families this holiday season.

Additionally, Cottonwood took the opportunity at the assembly to retire a U.S. flag that has flown over the school for several years.